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Podcast: American Potential
Episode: Targeted in Michigan: Marlena Pavlos-Hackney and Helen Brinkman Fight Unconstitutional Lockdowns
Description:
Host David From continues the story of Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, a Michigan restaurant owner who refused to close during the pandemic after the state’s first round of executive orders was ruled unconstitutional. Joined by her attorney, Helen Brinkman, Marlena recounts being singled out by state leadership, arrested, fined, and jailed—despite unequal enforcement and conflicting rulings—after she chose to keep serving her community.
Brinkman walks through the legal maze: administrative suspensions, contempt findings, and split decisions that could set a statewide precedent on executive power, due process, and equal protection. Together they explain why Marlena’s case n...